Why the fire-breathing horse?

The fire-breathing horse has been a part of the Big Red tradition since 1970. The first horse's head was built by David E. Hindman and William Davis
back in the summer of '70.

Sitting atop the scoreboard at Harding Stadium, trimmed in lights,
the stallion would breath fire every time Big Red
would score or come onto the field.

In 1984 the horse's head was replaced by the 12
foot rearing horse, which features a strobe eye,
hydraulic movement, and of course, the six foot
stream of fire. Big Red was refurbished during the construction of the new video replay scoreboard in the summer of 1997, where he stands today.

Man O' War is of course a replica of the fabled racinghorse who lived from March 29th, 1917 until November 1st, 1930.

"Hold your strength till the barriers fly,
then close with the leaders eye to eye.
Thundering hooves and the mad jammed race,
blood in the nostrils, sweat in the face.
And Big Red, remember wherever you are,
you carry the blood of Man o' War. "

Why "Death Valley"?

The Death Valley moniker for Big Red's Harding Stadium got its start when Coach Reno Saccoccia took the reigns back in the early 80's. There have been reports of references made as early as the mid 70's however.

Three main factors play into the name: First, Steubenville is located in the upper Ohio Valley, which is a gritty steel-mill area of hard working people. Second, Harding Stadium sits adjacent to the Union Cemetery, the largest cemetery in the area, and the visitors have a direct view of the many tombstones and monuments from their seats. Third, and the main reason, is that Big Red wins a vast majority of their games on the fabled grounds. With the rabid fans sitting directly upon the field, and the many amenities offered, Death Valley gives Big Red a tremendous home field advantage.

Why Reno Field?

"Reno Field" was added to the turf of Death Valley at the beginning of the 2007 season to honor current Head Coach Reno Saccoccia after the field was dedicated in his honor. Reno has become synonymous with Big Red Football during his 34 year tenure.

Steubenville is in eastern Ohio, Jefferson County, and is located on the banks of the Ohio River.

It is 39 miles west of Pittsburgh, Pa., 23 miles north of Wheeling Wva., 150 miles east of Columbus, Oh., and 55 miles south of Youngstown, Oh.
Steubenville is at the intersection of Ohio Route 7, Ohio Route 43, and U.S. 22.
Steubenville sits at 40:22:01 North and 80:38:48 West, and is at an elevation of 1,060 feet above mean sea level.

The population is approximately 22,125 and the work force is comprised mostly of Wheeling-Pittsburgh and Weirton Steel Companies.
Fort Steuben, for which the city was named, was the very first settlement in the Northwest Territory, and was the gateway to the exploration of the midwest.

Where is Death Valley?

From Route 43 (heading east): Follow Route 43 until it turns into Sunset Blvd, then head towards downtown Steubenville. Look for stadium on the right as you pass Wendy's, Taco Bell, and McDonalds.

From Route 22 (heading East): Look for the John Scott Highway exit in Steubenville. Proceed south on the exit until you reach the traffic light for Sunset Blvd. Turn left at the light and continue east on Sunset Blvd. for approximately 2 miles. Look for McDonalds and Harding Middle School on your right. Turn right onto Calvin Jones Way. Death Valley will be behind the Harding Middle School.

From Route 22 (heading West): Proceed across the Veterans Memorial Bridge over the Ohio River. Follow the signs for the University Blvd. exit. Continue on University Blvd. up the hill heading west until you come to the intersection that merges into Sunset Blvd. You will see Pizza Hut, Bob Evans, and Walgreens on your right. Death Valley is directly across the street.

From Route 7 (heading South): Follow route 7 south to Steubenville. You will pass by the Ft. Steuben Bridge and the bigger Veterans Memorial Bridge. Follow the sign to veer right onto University Blvd. Turn right up University Blvd. and follow it till you come to a sign that directs you to merge right onto 22 west. You will see the Middle School and Stadium on your left. Pizza Hut, Bob Evans, and Walgreens on your right.

From Route 7 (Heading North): Follow route 7 north to Steubenville. You will pass the Lincoln Ave exit, the Slack St. exit, the South St. exit, and the Market St. exit. One block past the Market St. exit look for the Washington St. exit. Turn left onto Washington St. and proceed west through downtown. You will then head up a steep hill. At the top of the hill you will pass through 2 lights. At the third light the stadium will be on your left.

What is the Alma Mater?

Although the Yale has always favored,
the violet's dark blue;
and the gentle sons of harvard,
to the crimson rose are true;
we will own our colors splendor,
nor honor shall they lack;
while the Big Red stands defender,
of the CRIMSON AND THE BLACK!

Thro' the four long years of High School,
Midst the scenes we know so well,
As the mystic charm to knowledge
We vainly seek to spell,
Or we win athletic victories
On the football field or track,
Still we work for dear old Big Red
and the CRIMSON AND THE BLACK!

When the cares of life over take us,
Mingling fast our locks with gray,
Should our dearest hopes betray us,
False fortune falls away;
Still we banish care and sadness,
As we turn our memories back,
And recall those days of gladness,
'Neath the CRIMSON AND THE BLACK!

What is the Big Red Fight Song?

Oh let us fight, fight, Big Red, let's fight,
and raise our glory to the sky,
the team will do it's best, and we'll do the rest,
come cheer with them our cry, Rah! Rah! Rah!
fight, fight, fight, Big Red, let's fight,
and come victorious through the fray,
and we will shout! Hail! Hail! Hooray! Three cheers!
for Big Red Steubenville.

WHY "BIG RED"?

There are two early references to the origin of the Big Red nickname. The first one appeared in the Friday, August 21st, 1925 edition of the Steubenville Herald-Star's feature column "In The Sports Mirror", and was written by Sports Editor Jake Daugherty.

*"Folks have been wondering why we refer to the 1925 SHS team which will soon be in the making as the "Big Red." They will learn why if they are at the North End Field when the 1925 grid-iron creation of Coach Cartledge sinks its cleated hoof into the hard turf, but we might as well explain it now. Brand new equipment for a squad of 30 men has been purchased and the new jerseys are bright red, the boys inside 'em will be big and so the "Big Red." The jerseys are bright red with two stripes on each arm, four black leather stripes down the front and on the back are ten inch numerals. The socks are red with a small black stripes and the pants are a la Notre Dame, tight fitting, the same as Rockne's men wear. They are classy looking outfits. Looks like a classy team's going to wear them too."

(Big Red finished as State Champions at 10-0, only giving up 6 points)

The second reference was from the book "75 Years Of Big Red Football", which was published by the high school in August of 1975.

**"Steubenville High football teams up until the 1930 season had no nickname. To shorten "Steubenville", they were referred to as the "Stubbers" or "Stubs". Their colors were purple and white.

Then in the eighth game of the 1930 season, against Columbus Aquinas (a 33-0 victory), Coach Charles Q. "Punk" Cartledge paraded his team in new crimson and black uniforms. It was his heaviest team ever, and after the game, the Herald-Star called the team the "Big Red". This moniker was here to stay. The Big Red's official emblem, the horse Man O' War, was initiated in 1945.

Once just plain Steubenville High School, our school later was named Wells High School. Today, it's Steubenville Big Red High School. Let's go Big Red!"